A bachelor’s in communication focuses on developing your rhetorical, organizational and interpersonal knowledge with a curriculum that emphasizes theories, practices, contexts and perspectives at the undergraduate degree level.
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Jacob Wolfe
Online Enrollment Counselor
Online Bachelor of Arts/Science in Communication
The online bachelor’s in communication is designed for working professionals who want to earn a bachelor’s degree that prepares them for diverse and vast career opportunities or helps them advance their current career.
Available as either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communication, this degree can enhance your communication skills to tackle challenges in the modern workplace while simultaneously improving your writing and verbal abilities. This program develops your rhetorical, organizational and interpersonal knowledge with a curriculum that emphasizes theories, practices, contexts and perspectives.
Communication degrees are effective for preparing you for a wide range of career opportunities. The BA in communication focuses on the overall enhancement of oral and written communication skills, as well as developing your understanding of how we as humans communicate with one another, combined with courses in liberal arts. The BS in communication deepens your knowledge of skills in such areas as copywriting, public speaking and more to support your focus on becoming an expert in the chosen area.
The online BA and BS in communication are offered by the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Louisville.
Academic Year Tuition
Online Bachelor's in Communication Program Highlights
- Learn important theories, methods of inquiry, philosophies and practices of the communication discipline.
- Develop skills for analyzing, interpreting and critiquing communication problems and methods—skills demanded by employers around the country.
- Learn from faculty with distinguished academic credentials, industry experience and a strong commitment to applied research.
- Take advantage of the 100% online classes and 24/7 access to learning resources.
- Earn your degree in as little as two years with transfer credits.
- Plan your degree with the assistance of a professional academic advisor.
- Tap into the internship opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills, and prepare to apply them to real life and work situations.
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
The online undergraduate program in communication is available as either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Science (BS).
- The BA requires 36 credit hours in core communication coursework and 35 credit hours of supporting coursework, focusing on delivering a wider breath of knowledge in areas like foreign language and liberal arts.
- The BS requires 48 credit hours in core disciplines and 27-29 credit hours of supporting coursework in, delivering a more in-depth dive into applied communication areas. An internship is required for this option.
100% ONLINE COURSES
Complete your degree on your own time through fully online coursework.
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121 CREDIT HOURS
This program is comprised of 121 credit hours in core and elective courses.
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2 DEGREE OPTIONS
Choose a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science and accomplish your goals!
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"I felt like I needed [a communication degree] to be who I was. I learned more about myself. I learned that I was persistent, that I like to write. I really became the person I am today."
MAGGIE CUNNINGHAM ‘14
BACHELOR’S IN COMMUNICATION
Online Bachelor's in Communication Outcomes
What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in Communication?
Earning a degree in communication opens the doors to ample career opportunities. No matter which communications degree path you choose, a BS or a BA, the expertise you develop in analyzing and implementing communication methods will be in high demand for employers.
Our graduates go on to succeed in a variety of careers—from producer to technical writer to HR manager to podcast personality to so much more. Many career paths chosen by communication graduates increase their annual salary as well. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, if you chose a career as an editor, the median annual salary is $63,400. Furthermore, manager positions in advertising or marketing with minimum requirement of a bachelor’s degree earn a median annual salary is $141,490 with the expected growth rate in the U.S. to be an above average 6% between 2019 and 2029 (bls.gov).
Organizations hiring communication graduates include, but are not limited to:
- TV and cable companies
- Radio stations
- Advertising agencies
- News organizations
- Print publishers
- Federal, state, and local government agencies
- Event companies
- Businesses and trade associations
- Colleges, universities and schools
- Not-for-profit and special interest groups
- Public relations firms
- Political organizations
Take the step today to pave the way for your career future.
Online Bachelor's in Communication Application Deadlines
| Preferred Application Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| August 1 | Fall | August |
| December 1 | Spring | January |
| April 1 | Summer | May/June |
Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete, and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.
How to Apply for the Online Bachelor's in Communication
- Start your application for undergraduate admission
- Submit $30 non-refundable application fee
- Complete any checklist items listed on your Application Portal*
- Request official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: adetran@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Office of Admissions, Dept AO, Louisville, KY 40292
- Create a financial plan
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Online Bachelor's in Communication Admissions Requirements and Materials
New Students and Transfer Students with less than 24 transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:
- High school diploma from an accredited institution (GED or equivalent also accepted)
- Minimum high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; AND for transfer students, a minimum college GPA of 2.0 (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
- Composite ACT* score of 21 or higher (test optional admission is granted on a case-by-case basis)
Transfer Students with 24 or more transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:
- Minimum college GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started an undergraduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.
No ACT/SAT? Test-optional admissions are granted on a case-by-case basis and require a comprehensive review of high school transcript, including grades and college-preparatory courses. A personal statement may be requested during the admissions review process.
Transfer Credit
Students may transfer up to 60 hours from a community college and up to 90 hours from an accredited 4-year college. Transfer applicants must have a minimum college GPA of 2.5 to be admitted in good standing. Complete the credit transfer pre-evaluation to get an idea of how many credits you'll be able to transfer in toward your UofL bachelor's degree, and visit our General Transfer Student page for more details.
Are you a KCTCS student? KCTCS students can transfer completed associate degrees in their entirety and begin immediately with online upper level coursework at UofL. Visit our KCTCS Transfers Page for more information.
See the UofL Transfer Credit Policy for more information.
International Students
- If you live outside of the United States and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to view special requirements for international students.
- International applicants must take the TOEFL exam if applying from countries where English is not the native language. Applicants holding a baccalaureate or advanced degree from an accredited institution in the United States are exempt from this requirement.
- Bachelor's degrees earned internationally must be assessed to ensure that entrance requirements are met.
- International students will not be issued a U.S. visa if admitted to the online structural transportation certificate program, since there are no campus attendance requirements.
For more information on the admission and application process, please contact our Online Learning Enrollment Counselor at 800.871.8635 or by email at online@louisville.edu.
Online Bachelor's in Communication: BA or BS?
UofL’s online bachelor’s in communication is available as both an arts and a science degree to help you get the experience that’s right for you. Use the chart below to begin determining which degree option fits your career path and goals.
| Bachelor of Arts in Communication | Bachelor of Science in Communication | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum |
36 credit hours of core communication courses 35 credit hours of supporting courses 31 credit hours of general education courses 19 credit hours of Arts & Sciences courses (More emphasis on liberal arts and language) |
48 credit hours of core communication courses 27-29 credit hours of supporting courses 31 credit hours of general education courses 13-15 credit hours of Arts & Sciences courses (More emphasis on applied communication) |
| Focus | Gain a broader understanding of how we communicate with one another with additional core requirements in a foreign language and other social science areas (such as sociology, psychology or women’s, gender and sexuality studies). | Take a deeper dive into important areas of applied communication with core requirements in areas like copywriting, newswriting, public speaking, debate and more. Completion of an internship is also required. |
| Outcomes | Students have more flexibility in specializing their academic interest, and a wider range of career options due to the additional liberal arts courses. | Though still prepared for a diverse range of career opportunities, the applied communication courses give students more targeted expertise in chosen areas. |
Online Bachelor's in Communication Courses
Courses are delivered asynchronously, in standard term length.
The online BA in communication from UofL is a 121 credit hour program, with the following curriculum components:
- General Education (Cardinal Core) Requirements: 31 credit hours
- Arts & Sciences Requirements: 19 credit hours
- Communication (BA) Required Core Courses: 36 credit hours
- Supporting Courses: 35
The online BS in communication from UofL requires at least 121 credit hours, with the following curriculum components:
- General Education (Cardinal Core) Requirements: 31 credit hours
- Arts & Sciences Requirements: 13-15 credit hours
- Communication (BS) Required Core Courses: 48 credit hours
- Supporting Courses: 27-29
Online BA in Communication Courses
General Education Requirements
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| General Education Requirements* | 31 |
| The following courses are required by the program and can satisfy the respective General Education Requirement: | |
| COMM 201 Introduction to Communication | |
| Some other courses approved as options for satisfying program requirements (e.g., MATH 109) may also satisfy General Education requirements | |
| Minimum Total Hours | 31 |
Arts & Sciences Requirements:
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| GEN 100 Student Success Center First Year Experience OR GEN 101 Arts & Sciences First Year Experience |
1 |
| Foreign Language1 | 12 |
| Electives in Humanities or Natural Sciences at the 300-level or above2 | 6 |
| WR—two approved courses at the 300 level or above3 | |
| Minimum Total Hours | 19 |
Program/Major Requirements
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Department of Communication - Required Core Courses | 18 |
| COMM 201 Introduction to Communication4 | 3 |
| COMM 303 Introduction to Communication Technologies | 3 |
| COMM 304 Argument in Everyday Life | 3 |
| COMM 304 Introduction to Mass Communication | 3 |
| COMM 315 Introduction to Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COMM 316 Research Methods | 3 |
| COMM elective at 200 level or above | 3 |
| COMM electives at 300 level or above | 9 |
| COMM electives at 400 level or above | 3 |
| Graduation requirement or culminating undergraduate experience (CUE) requirement that’s fulfilled by completing COMM 375, COMM 385, COMM 402, COMM 417, COMM 427, COMM 429, COMM 430, COMM 436, COMM 437,COMM 445, COMM 450, COMM 464, COMM 466, COMM 465, COMM 481, COMM 498, COMM 505,or COMM 565 | 3 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 36 |
Supporting Courses
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Statistics/Quantitative Methods | 3 |
| Social Science Elective in Human Behavior9 | 3 |
| Natural Science Elective in Human Behavior, Development, Environment or Health9 | 3 |
| Social Science electives (other than Communication) with 12 hours at the 300 level or above8,9 | 15 |
| Minimum Electives10 | 11 |
| Minimum Total Hours for Graduation | 121 |
Online BS in Communication Courses
General Education Requirements
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| General Education Requirements* | 31 |
| The following courses are required by the program and can satisfy the respective General Education Requirement: | |
| Natural Science Elective in Human Behavior, Development, Environment or Health9 | 3 |
| COMM 201 Introduction to Communication | |
| Some other courses approved as options for satisfying program requirements (e.g., MATH 109) may also satisfy General Education requirements | |
| Minimum Total Hours | 31 |
Arts & Sciences Requirements
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| GEN 100 Student Success Center First Year Experience OR
GEN 101 Arts & Sciences First Year Experience |
1 |
| The following courses are required by the program and can satisfy the respective General Education Requirement: | |
| Foreign Language1 | 6-8 |
| Electives in Humanities or Natural Sciences at the 300-level or above2 | 6 |
| WR—two approved courses at the 300 level or above3 | |
| Minimum Total Hours | 13-15 |
Program/Major Requirements
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Department of Communication - Required Core Courses | 18 |
| COMM 201 Introduction to Communication4 | 3 |
| COMM 303 Introduction to Communication Technologies | 3 |
| COMM 304 Argument in Everyday Life | 3 |
| COMM 305 Introduction to Mass Communication | 3 |
| COMM 315 Introduction to Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COMM 316 Research Methods | 3 |
| Select one of the following courses: | 3 |
| COMM 402 Independent Research in Communication | |
| COMM 417 Senior Communication Internship | |
| COMM 465 Special Topics in Communication Service Learning | |
| COMM 481 Senior Practicum | |
| Select one of the following courses: | 3 |
| COMM 302 Speak Up, Speak Out | |
| COMM 319 Debate | |
| Select one of the following:10 | 3 |
| COMM 320 Newswriting | |
| COMM 323 Magazine and Feature Writing | |
| COMM 344 Strategic Communication Writing | |
| COMM elective at 200 level or above | 3 |
| COMM electives at 300 level or above | 12 |
| COMM electives at 400 level or above | 6 |
| Graduation requirement or culminating undergraduate experience (CUE) requirement that’s fulfilled by completing COMM 402, COMM 417, COMM 465 or COMM 481 | |
| Minimum Total Hours | 48 |
Supporting Courses
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Statistics/Quantitative Methods | 3 |
| Social Science Elective in Human Behavior5 | 3 |
| Natural Science Elective in Human Behavior, Development, Environment or Health5 | 3 |
| Social Science electives (other than Communication) | 9 |
| Minimum Electives9 | 9-11 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 121 |
* All degrees require the completion of the university-wide General Education Program. Some General Education requirements may be met in the requirements for the major or supporting coursework, in which case additional electives may be required to complete the minimum hours for the degree.
1 Completion of the intermediate level of a single foreign language.
2 In addition to courses counted toward General Education.
3 May be incorporated into other degree requirements.
4 Fulfills General Education requirement.
5 Or another statistics elective approved by an advisor.
6 Or another Social Science elective approved by an advisor.
7Or another Natural Sciences course approved by an advisor.
8 Only 12 hours are needed if the statistics requirement is fulfilled in a social science discipline.
9In addition to courses counted toward General Education.
10Students who satisfy General Education Requirements by courses defined by the program will require additional electives to complete the minimum hours for the degree.
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Course Descriptions
Online Bachelor's in Communication Success Team
FAQ: Bachelor’s in Communication Program
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What is a bachelor’s in communication?
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What skills will I gain from this program?
As a student in either the BA or the BS in Communication at UofL, you will develop your skills in the following areas: more effective oral and written communication, critical thinking and analysis, research and data interpretation, as well as teamwork and leadership.
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What career opportunities are available with a degree in Communication?
To learn more about the career outlook and the potential outcomes of completing this degree, please view our Outcomes tab.
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How long does this program take to complete?
The bachelor’s in communication requires a minimum of 123 credit hours and typically takes four years to complete if attending full-time. Part-time options may extend the duration.
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What are the benefits of online learning?
The biggest benefit of online learning is that you can work to earn your degree from your own home while raising a family, working full-time or experiencing particular life circumstances that make commuting to campus difficult or impossible.
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How is the online program different than the campus program?
At UofL you are taught by the same world-class faculty as our on-campus students. You read the same books, do many of the same assignments and earn the same degree. Neither your transcript nor your diploma notes your degree was completed online, only that you completed courses at the University of Louisville. The biggest difference is that you are able to do coursework on your own time and in a way that best fits your learning and lifestyle.
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Can I receive credit for courses completed at another school?
On a case-by-case basis, credit transfer is allowed from an accredited university to fulfill general education requirements. See the UofL Transfer Credit Policy for more information.
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I have never attended college (or I have earned less than 24 credits so far). Can I earn this degree online?
Yes, you may begin—or continue—your college degree at UofL by choosing a fully online degree.
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Are courses taught by UofL faculty?
Yes, all sociology courses are taught by full- and part- time faculty who work in the Department of Psychology and also teach our on-campus sociology courses.